Is Trump going to make everyone ill by forcing them to attend the Republican convention?

President wants people there in person but will that be safe, asks Andrew Buncombe

Conventions have become fixed points in US political calendar (Getty)

Few events in the political calendar better symbolise the drama and excitement of America’s presidential race, than the parties’ political conventions.

Held once every four years, typically in the summer before the November election, they are where the parties officially nominate their candidate, energise the grassroots and where their nominee makes an appeal to the nation. Often they are the location for soaring oratory against the backdrop of flags and banners and glitter; very occasionally, they can trigger protests and violence.

As with everything else, this year’s conventions have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic that has shaken the world.